In recent years, skilled trades have experienced a resurgence in popularity and demand, reversing a decline that lasted decades. Last year, the number of students enrolled in vocational or community colleges rose 16%. The increase continued in the spring of 2024 and shows no signs of slowing. This shift could have a profoundly positive impact on industries like commercial printing and packaging, which rely heavily on skilled labor to meet evolving consumer and business needs.
Why Trades are Making a Comeback
Several factors contribute to the resurgence of a demand towards the trades:
Increased Demand for Skilled Labor
As industries become more specialized, there is a growing need for workers with specific technical skills. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs in the skilled trades, such as those in printing and packaging, are expected to grow faster than the national average for all occupations over the next decade.
To put this into perspective, a possible 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030, costing the economy $1 trillion in 2030 alone. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed earlier this year that intense competition for trade talent has increased salaries by 20%.
Retirement of the Baby Boomer Generation
The mass retirement of experienced Baby Boomers is leaving significant gaps in the workforce. This shift is creating an urgent demand for younger workers to step into roles that require hands-on skills and experience. Between 1984 and 2027, the ratio of post-working-age individuals to working-age individuals is projected to rise by about 75%. Since the pandemic, labor force participation rates for people 55 and older have declined by about 2%.
Rising Costs of Traditional Higher Education
With student debt at an all-time high, many young people are reconsidering the value of a four-year degree. Americans owe $1.75 trillion in total student loan debt, with $28,950 owed per borrower on average. Skilled trades offer a viable alternative, with relatively low-cost training and certification programs that lead to stable, well-paying jobs.
Technological Advancements in Trades
The advancement and incorporation of technology in traditional trades has increased the appeal of these careers. In printing and packaging, for example, advanced digital presses, automation, and smart packaging technologies require a new generation of tech-savvy workers.
Positive Impacts on the Print, Mail and Packaging Industries
More young workers and investment in the trades will enhance productivity and innovation, improve quality control and efficiency, and increase job security and career growth in our industries and across the manufacturing sectors.
The influx of skilled workers brings fresh ideas and energy into the workplace, driving innovation. With the rise of digital printing technologies and sustainable practices, the demand for technicians who understand both traditional and digital printing processes is higher than ever.
Skilled tradespeople bring expertise that enhances quality control and operational efficiency. In a field where precision is key, such as in packaging, mailing and printing, having well-trained employees can significantly reduce errors and waste. As consumer demand shifts towards personalized packaging, skilled workers are vital to operate sophisticated machinery that can handle short runs and custom orders efficiently.
For employees, the revitalization of trades means increased job security and opportunities for career growth. Tradespeople in commercial printing and packaging can benefit from ongoing training and certification programs, allowing them to stay ahead in a fast-evolving industry. Companies in our industries must continue to push for training, apprenticeships, and pipelines to work.
A Call to Action for Hiring Managers
For hiring managers in the printing and packaging industries, now is the time to capitalize on the growing interest in trades. Investing in training programs, apprenticeships, and partnerships with local trade schools can attract new talent and retain skilled workers. Providing competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement will also be crucial in securing the workforce needed to thrive in the future.
The comeback of trades offers a tremendous opportunity for the commercial printing and packaging industries. As demand for skilled workers grows, these industries stand to benefit from improved productivity, innovation, and sustainability. For employees, it represents a chance for stable, fulfilling careers. For hiring managers, it’s an opportunity to build a strong, resilient workforce for years to come.
2023 Wages to Watch
America’s Printing Association Network Wage & Benefit Survey 2023 offers the latest industry standard salaries. Here are the national average salaries, wages and rages for a variety of positions we place, and the positions to work toward. For a more complete look, https://portal.printindustries.org/signup
- Digital Print Manager: $72,695
- Office Manager: $57,347
- Prepress Supervisor $32.93/hr
- Sheetfed Press Operators: $23-30/hr, depending on the sheet size
- Bindery: Working Supervisor $22.64/hr
- Mailing & Fulfillment: $17-26/hr, depending on the position
- Shipping/Warehouse/Maintenance Supervisor $23.10/hr